Indiana has nearly 200,000 miles of streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. Sadly, many of our waterways are polluted and are no swimmable, fishable or drinkable. 12,000 stream miles are impaired with E.coli. 16,000 lake acres are impaired with harmful blue green algae, an indication of toxins that can sicken people and pets.

Last year hundreds of thousands of people in Toledo, OH and Charleston, WV were told not to drink their tap water for several days because it was contaminated. HEC is working hard to make sure similar issues do not happen in Indiana.

HEC is the voice of the people for the environment in Indiana. Our goal is to make Indiana a better place to live, breathe, work and play – and our two greatest tools are education and advocacy. Donations to the Aveda Earth Month campaign give HEC the ability to:

• Push for laws and policies that protect our water so it is safe for all to use and drink.
• Teach and empower citizens to communicate with their legislators about their concerns and goals for Indiana. - Teach citizens in high pollution areas to monitor their water quality and protect their local resources.
• Provide affordable legal representation to Hoosiers harmed by pollution who cannot afford an attorney.

Clean Water Tips:

• Plant a native plant rain garden to prevent stormwater runoff. Use native plants like purple coneflower, black-eyed susan, autumn goldenrod, butterfly weed, columbine, wild geranium, garden phlox, and spicebush to maximize your water and attract bees and butterflies.
• Use phosphorus-free fertilizers on your lawn to prevent runoff that contaminates our groundwater.
• Pick-up animal waste from the ground to prevent groundwater contamination.
• Support local farmers who engage in sustainable farming practices that don't contaminate our waterways.
• Maintain your vehicle to prevent excess oil from leaking onto our roadways and causing urban runoff.
• Participate in an Aveda Earth Month activity!